> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2312680-principal-cloud-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2312680-principal-cloud-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Cloud Engineer - **Company:** Coalfire Systems, Inc. - **Location:** Washington, DC, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $109,000.0 - $182,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing Security, Cloud Engineering, Continuous Integration, JSON, Open Source Technology, Policy as Code, Google Cloud, Cloud Platform System, Information Technology, CIS Benchmarks, Terraform - **Published:** August 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.jofdav.com/jobs/59462748-principal-cloud-engineer ## About the Role BS or above in a related Information Technology field or equivalent combination of education and experience 10+ years in cloud security engineering and architecture, including principal- or staff-level scope Hands-on FedRAMP authorization experiencebuilding, operating, or assessing FedRAMP environments Demonstrated design-authority experience: owning standards, running architecture review, and documenting decisions in a form other engineers build from Deep expertise in infrastructure-as-code (Terraform or equivalent), CI/CD, policy-as-code, and compliance automation Architecture depth on at least two of the three major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) Fluency in NIST 800-53 and the FedRAMP control framework, as well as CMMC and DoD compliance standards Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills Effective documentation skills, including technical diagrams and written descriptions Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a professional attitude and demeanor Critical thinking, and the ability to balance security requirements with mission needs REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS: Professional/Expert-level certification in at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP) Bonus Points Familiarity with FedRAMP 20x, Key Security Indicators (KSIs), and machine-readable evidence (OSCAL, JSON) Experience designing productized or repeatable delivery models for professional services Published writing, conference talks, or open-source work in cloud security or compliance automation CISSP, CISM, or CISA certifications Familiarity with configuration baseline standards such as CIS Benchmarks & DISA STIG ## Description Own the technical integrity of Coalfires FedRAMP reference architectures and capabilities across AWS, Azure, and GCP, and across certification levels. Set the engineering standards delivery teams build againstarchitecture patterns, security baselines, automation frameworks, and evidence-collection approaches. Review and approve custom architecture decisions when client requirements fall outside the standard; promote recurring customizations into the reference architecture so the standard improves every quarter. Serve as a technical escalation point for delivery teams on architecture and security design questions to improve client outcomes. Keep reference architectures current with evolving FedRAMP requirements, including machine-readable compliance packaging (OSCAL or JSON) and continuous-monitoring mandates. Mentor engagement architects and senior engineers; raise the technical bar across the delivery organization. Partner with the sales organization on solution shape for the most strategic pursuits. Represent Coalfires technical point of view in the FedRAMP communityworking groups, public comment, and industry forums. ## Related Videos - [Infrastructure as Code: The Developer's Secret Weapon](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1221-infrastructure-as-code-the-developer-s-secret-weapon) - [The Cloud is Calling: Answer with In-Demand Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/945-the-cloud-is-calling-answer-with-in-demand-skills) - [Tips and Tricks for Working with JSON](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1229-tips-and-tricks-for-working-with-json) - [Building Well-Architected applications](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/691-building-well-architected-applications) - [Terraform for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/3-terraform-for-developers) - [Introducing JSON Structure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100219-introducing-json-structure) ## Related Articles - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Events like RSAC Get You CISOs. Developers Decide What Actually Gets Deployed.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/693-events-like-rsac-get-you-cisos-developers-decide-what-actually-gets-deployed) - [7 Cloud Computing Trends Coming in 2025 for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/412-7-cloud-computing-trends-coming-in-2025-for-developers) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [Top Must-Visit Developer Conferences in the US in 2026](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/679-top-must-visit-developer-conferences-in-the-us-in-2026) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)